Big Turtle, Big City: The last giant tortoise from Pinta Island is on display at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, through January 4, 2015.
This icon of the Galapagos Islands is spending some time with New Yorkers, in the form of an exhibition of Lonesome George, the last known giant tortoise from Pinta Island in the Galápagos Islands, at the American Museum of Natural History. Metropolitan Touring, the Ecuador tour company, was promoting the exhibition while also highlighting its own Galapagos tours, which allow up-close views of the delicate balance of island biodiversity.
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DON’T MISS: Top 5 Reasons to Visit Quito, Ecuador
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A symbol of biodiversity conservation, Lonesome George was estimated to be around 100 years old at the time of his death in June 2012 – although no-one knows for sure. With giant tortoises differing from island to island, Lonesome George was the last of his species, Chelonoidis nigra abingdonii, found by accident during a scientific expedition. The estimated 30 to 40,000 remaining giant tortoises are essential to the ecosystem of the Galápagos, scattering soil and seeds and balancing woody vegetation and cacti through their eating habits.
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Despite various attempts over the years to see if George could pass on his genes to another generation, he remained “lonesome” to his last day. He became an icon of conservation since he was at once a victim of Man’s negative impact on the islands and also a showcase of our ability to preserve species and establish protected areas.
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The preservation of Lonesome George was undertaken in consultation with scientists from the American Museum of Natural History, world famous for its dioramas of natural habitats. Master taxidermists posed the tortoise naturally with neck and limbs extended from its distinctive saddleback shell to reveal its great size as in life. As a cultural patrimony of Ecuador, Lonesome George will be returned to Ecuador following the exhibition, which runs September 19, 2014 to January 4, 2015.
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DON’T MISS: Top 5 Reasons to Visit Cuenca, Ecuador (TRAVEL PHOTOS)
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Metropolitan Touring is embarking on a new high season in the Galápagos. The Quito, Ecuador-based adventure tour operator is a leader in explorations to the islands, with 60-plus years of touring experience, three superb vessels – Isabela II, Santa Cruz and La Pinta – as well as the Finch Bay Eco Hotel on Santa Cruz Island.
For more about the exhibit: http://www.amnh.org/explore/news-blogs/news-posts/museum-helps-preserve-iconic-tortoise-lonesome-george
For more information about a Galápagos adventure from Metropolitan Touring: www.metropolitan-touring.com